One Crying Out

Preparing the Way: Lessons from John the Baptizer

Bible Passage: Mark 1:4–8

When I was a kid I had a best friend that was better at everything than me.

I always hated being a “second fiddle.”

As I have grown I have learned what it means to lead from the second chair.

Support is just as vital

Usually have slightly more influence.

Share your influence.

Sometimes you are older or come before the person you are supporting

Knowing your role is more important than being the alpha in the room

When we work together, we can accomplish so much more.

John came before Jesus, but he knew his place in the order of things.

1. Be Honest

Mark 1:4–5 NLT

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

Baptism was common place during this time.

For those who practiced judaism, it was a physical washing after doing something that would make you “unclean”

Contact with a dead body, blood, or disease

For gentiles it was a sign of conversion to Judaism symbolizing rebirth

The difference with the baptism of John is that it was about personal repentance, not ceremony.

This meant Jews and Gentiles alike had to be baptized.

Jews believed they were already pure and holy.

Being Jewish wasn’t enough to get into the Kingdom of God

Repentance is about admitting you are wrong, owning it, and turning back towards God

Confession must be followed with action to be true repentance.

This must be done with others, not just “me and God.”

2. Be Real

Mark 1:6 NLT

His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John did not care what people thought of him.

Religious teachers were celebrities in this culture. They dressed well to attract attention to themselves.

John was real about who he was.

John was most likely part of a sect of Judaism called the Essenes. They rejected material comfort for spiritual attainment.

The main difference being t he Essenes were very private while John was very public.

John never tried to be someone he was not.

We are each created by a very creative God. We are not called to conform for the sake of conforming

We are called to be transformed by the Word.

This means saying “Well that just who I am,” doesn’t fly in the Kingdom

You cannot use uniqueness as an excuse to be a jerk.

3. Be Humble

Mark 1:7–8 NLT

John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

John knew the platform he had.

People from every walk of life where drawn to him in the wilderness.

John was not insecure.

As soon as Jesus showed up, John took a back seat.

He did not want or need recognition

He used his stage for someone greater.

You are not nearly as important as you think you are.

Each of us has a part to play in this life.

John honored Jesus and Jesus honored John

Let Jesus take care of you.